Embracing innovation，Slkor embarks on a new international journey
In recent years, Slkor has experienced rapid development. Building upon its mastery of third-generation silicon carbide power device technology, the company has invested significant resources in research and development, resulting in the launch of high-end products such as IGBTs and power management chips. These endeavors have yielded impressive performance in the domestic market, leading to the establishment of two Slkor flagship stores in Shenzhen Huaqiangbei. Slkor actively explores overseas markets and has successfully integrated its products into the supply chains of several international corporations, gaining recognition and influence on the global stage. General Manager Song Shiqiang attributes these achievements to the guiding force of innovation. The semiconductor industry, characterized by high technological barriers, continuous evolution, substantial capital investment, and long cycles with low returns, demands perseverance. Despite being a relatively young company, Slkor has achieved rapid growth in both domestic and international revenue and profits. By adhering to a strategy of innovation, research and development of new technologies and products, and the introduction of high-value-added offerings, the company has also embraced the underlying logic of the internet in brand building and marketing, continuously pursuing incremental innovations.
Mr. Song Shiqiang, delivered a speech at the Semiconductor Overseas Expansion Seminar.
Mr. Song Shiqiang, the CEO of Slkor, emphasized the importance of internationalization as a key strategy for the company to become a leader in the semiconductor industry. He highlighted the extensive exploration, innovation, and practical efforts made by Slkor in brand building and product marketing through the application of the internet. For instance, the company has developed an English version of its official website to provide more convenient and comprehensive services to overseas customers. Additionally, Slkor has adopted new approaches such as ecological, matrix, and hierarchical methods in its internet operations, enabling efficient operations and development.
What is an international company?
International companies generally have the following characteristics: overseas revenue accounts for more than 30% of total revenue; overseas profits account for more than 30% of total profits; and they compete with peers on a global scale. Some foreign trade companies in Shenzhen Huaqiangbei meet these two conditions, but to become truly internationalized enterprises, they also need to meet the third condition. This includes having products with a high market share, the ability to globalize the supply chain resources, and a brand with recognition, reputation, and influence. Chinese companies such as Lenovo, Fuyao Glass, Huawei, and the overseas version of TikTok have performed well internationally, while internationally recognized companies include Apple, Tesla, and KFC. Slkor and Kinghelm have been implementing branding, standardization, process optimization, modularization, and internationalization since their establishment, learning from these excellent companies.
QR code for the official website of Slkor and Kinghelm
Internationalization Genes of Slkor
Slkor (www.slkoric.com) General Manager, Song Shiqiang, stated that the semiconductor industry is characterized by high technological barriers, heavy capital investment, and low returns. One significant feature is that the industry chain is distributed worldwide. Upstream companies such as IP design firms, EDA software manufacturers, high-purity silicon wafer material (including substrates and epitaxial wafers) manufacturers, wafer fabrication plants, downstream assembly and testing factories, electronic product solution companies, PCBA assembly plants, and distributors in Huaqiangbei, all have their roles and are distributed worldwide. They form an ecosystem of the semiconductor industry chain through close connections and cross-collaboration in various ways.
Korean technology & Chinese market
The core technology of Slkor originates from Yonsei University in South Korea, combining with the thriving semiconductor market in China. The name and brand “Slkor” are derived from the initials of Smith Song, the General Manager, and Lion, the co-founder from South Korea. “Kor” is the English abbreviation for Korea, forming the international DNA of early Slkor semiconductors. This integration of Korean technology and the Chinese market has been a key factor in the company’s internationalization.
Korean technology + Tsinghua R&D + domestic & overseas markets
Slkor has been established for 8 years. Its development path started with collaborating with a Korean team to explore the Chinese market. Over time, it has evolved into a team that integrates the technology team from Tsinghua University and established a research and development center in Wuxi. The team continuously researches new technologies and launches new products.
Slkor leads innovation and development.
Slkor, a leading innovator in the industry, originated from the technical teams of Yonsei University in South Korea and Tsinghua University in China. They possess internationally advanced third-generation semiconductor technology in silicon carbide power devices. Slkor has become a national high-tech enterprise that integrates design, research and development, manufacturing, and sales services. The “SLKOR” brand enjoys a good reputation in the semiconductor industry. Their product portfolio includes three major series of integrated circuits: diodes, transistors, power devices, and power management chips.
Kinghelm, a company of Mr. Song Shiqiang, is also a national high-tech enterprise. It is a member of the “China Satellite Navigation Association,” “China Information Industry Chamber of Commerce,” and “Guangdong Connector Association.” Kinghelm (www.kinghelm.com) focuses on the technical research, product design, manufacturing, and sales of microwave RF signal transceivers for Beidou BDS/GPS, miniature electronic connectors, and signal interconnect systems. With a team from Tsinghua University and Electronic Science and Technology University, Kinghelm possesses the capability to develop high-performance products and produce them in large quantities. Both Kinghelm and SLKOR adhere to the philosophy of continuous innovation, including conceptual, technological, product, and business model innovation, which has contributed to their achievements today!
Thinking with Internet
The logic of internet sales is to first capture users and develop a series of products around their characteristics for sales. For example, Amazon started by selling books and expanded to selling various products, while JD.com started with selling electronics and developed into a comprehensive platform. The following characteristics of the internet, when applied effectively, can greatly enhance efficiency:
Memory can be accumulated
The internet possesses the ability to accumulate and retain information, and the flow of information becomes a valuable asset. When a company’s brand, product keywords, images, and website backlinks are indexed by search engines like Baidu and Bing, or when short videos are featured on platforms such as Douyin, Video Number, and Xiaohongshu, gradual accumulation can occur. When customers search for relevant content, the company and its products will appear in the information, with a greater accumulation of information having the opportunity to appear on the homepage of computers or mobile screens.
Targeting user-oriented research and development
Internet marketing involves users searching for suppliers and products on their computers and mobile phones, essentially people looking for goods. Platforms like “Today’s Headlines” now provide precise information to customers through targeted push notifications, essentially goods finding people. This “two-way interaction” marketing approach doubles efficiency. In contrast, the traditional sales model for selling electronic components involves developing and producing products first, and then finding customers to promote them. However, this approach suffers from issues such as imprecise targeting of potential customers, mismatched product integration, and inaccurate timing of demand, resulting in low efficiency.
Schottky Diode series of Slkor
Slkor and Kinghelm, we apply internet thinking in our technological layout and new product development. The Kinghelm team has been proficient in microwave RF technology and, based on existing laboratory instruments and factory equipment, has developed products such as FPC connectors, piercing connectors, and automotive motorcycle wire harnesses to meet customer needs. Slkor’s products are silicon carbide MOS tubes, and we have also developed complementary products such as TVS diodes, power management chips, and AC-DC chips. Often, multiple products use both Kinghelm and Slkor products, and the dual-brand drive greatly enhances efficiency.
Break through the constraints of time and space
One of the characteristics of the internet is breaking the constraints of time and space, enabling communication and interaction without limitations. For example, the overseas sales representatives of Slkor and Kinghelmcan communicate with customers through methods such as email, phone calls, and video, almost synchronously in terms of time. With the continuous development of metaverse and AI technology, there will be greater advancements in spatial perception and immersive experiences in future customer communications.
Our headquarters, located in Bantian, Shenzhen, can efficiently manage the research and development teams, production, and sales in various locations, enabling us to serve customers worldwide. It is unimaginable to operate without the internet and fully utilize its capabilities.
Massive Information Saturation and Penetration
The brand of Slkor has quickly gained recognition in the semiconductor field, thanks to innovative internet marketing strategies. The widespread adoption of mobile internet allows people to create, access, and share information anytime, anywhere, resulting in a massive amount of information. How can you make your brand stand out amidst this vast sea of information? By releasing a massive amount of information. In our foray into overseas markets, the “Slkor” brand has achieved an index volume of 126 million on Microsoft Bing search engine within six months. We have strategically positioned numerous associated and related keywords to expand the exposure of our brand and product models, which has gradually improved our business.
Song Shiqiang, the spokesperson of Slkor, stated that competition on the internet is a competition in non-physical space against competitors. To win this competition, we adopt the “Von Clausewitz’s Ammunition Saturation” theory, which is also advocated by Huawei. We consider Slkor Semiconductor Company, brand, products, industry, hot topics, industry leaders, and Huaqiangbei as ammunition in this battle. In recent years, we have been vigorously making our presence felt in the realm of the internet, ensuring that our clients, supply chain, and competitors alike are well acquainted with our endeavors. This comprehensive exposure has propelled the rapid growth of our enterprise.
113,000 Baidu entries for “Slkor huaqiangbei”
Ecologization, Matrixization, Hierarchization
Ecologization
Mr. Song Shiqiang, CEO of Kinghelm and Slkor, expounded on an intriguing observation he made while studying forest ecology. He discovered a pattern wherein a forest typically begins with humble inhabitants such as moss, lichen, and grass, gradually giving rise to shrubs and saplings. This ecological progression sustains the presence of earthworms and elusive hares, ultimately supporting the higher echelons of the food chain, including packs of wolves, and culminating in the nurturing of towering giants. This hierarchical and interdependent cycle, from the small to the grand, forms a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem, serving as the fundamental theory guiding the growth and fortification of both Slkor and Kinghelm.
Ecologicalization of Product
Internet sales follow the logic of first attracting customers and then developing and selling corresponding products to them. This logic, combined with the theory of ecologization, is applied by Slkor in its technological layout and product development. Slkor builds upon its foundation of power devices such as MOSFETs and IGBTs, and further develops complementary products such as Hall elements, crystal oscillators, high-speed optocouplers, power management ICs, LDO, AC-DC converters, and more. Additionally, Slkor plans to acquire a company that specializes in MCU products, forming a product ecosystem around its customers to meet their needs and establish deep connections with them. MCU manufacturers are currently struggling, and Slkor’s acquisition will likely be at a very favorable price.
Ecological Brand Building of SLKOR
SLKOR brand building and promotion focus on diversity and inclusivity. Through diversified and multi-level promotion methods, SLKOR aims to reach a wider audience and increase the penetration and influence of the SLKOR brand. SLKOR also collaborates with other brands for joint promotion, such as GD Megachips and Hangshun, which are involved in the development and production of MCUs. The distributors of Kinghelm (www.kinghelm.com.cn), also work together with Huawei and ZTE IoT to develop end customers. The antenna connectors of Kinghelm and their communication modules are used in conjunction to provide comprehensive solutions for application scenarios.
Ecologization of Industrial
SLKOR Semiconductor adheres to an open and inclusive attitude and strives to build an industrial ecosystem. With the exception of core technologies and confidential business aspects, we maintain friendly relationships with partners throughout the semiconductor industry chain and ecosystem. We believe that business competition should not be a zero-sum game, but rather a harmonious coexistence within the ecosystem. In this world, everyone should have enough to eat. This belief is reflected in SLKOR corporate culture of “uprightness,” “advancement,” “tenacity,” and “attention to detail,” as well as our commitment to the ethical principle of “do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you.”
“uprightness,” “advancement,” “tenacity,” and “attention to detail.”
Matrixization of Promotion
The promotion strategy of SLKOR Semiconductor is centered around its official website, supplemented by other media and platforms in a matrix layout. Currently, this includes platforms such as Sina Weibo, WeChat Official Account, Douyin, and Zhihu, as well as Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, and WeChat Video Account. This multi-channel promotion strategy provides strong support for brand building and market expansion, attracting more customers and ensuring sustained development.
SLKOR promotion efforts are carried out in a hierarchical manner based on the matrix layout. It starts with promoting the technical strength of SLKOR, followed by the promotion of the “Slkor”, and then the promotion of specific product categories and models, gradually penetrating information to end-users. Newly launched product models such as KH-TYPE-C-6P, IRF640N, UCC27523, and KH-SMA-K513-13G are being heavily promoted.
Hierarchization
Product layout
SLKOR Semiconductor adopts a hierarchical product layout strategy, drawing inspiration from the previous mentioned theory of forest propagation. The company focuses on specific areas and utilizes new technologies and products to meet the diverse needs of customers and markets, driving the company’s rapid development.
While continuously iterating on silicon carbide power devices, SLKOR Semiconductor actively reserves third-generation semiconductor gallium nitride technology. The company continues to innovate in different product and technology directions, maintaining a technological leadership position in the third-generation semiconductor industry. It is believed that there will be fruitful results in the future.
The clientele grows from humble beginnings.
Slkor starts with small clients and gradually accumulates more, growing from strength to strength. The development of clients is also done in a hierarchical manner. This approach allows Slkor to establish a solid base of clients, gradually expanding its market share with minimal risk. As the original factory for research and production, Slkor achieves an impressive 87% reorder rate, while the reorder rate for agents reaches 78%. This is the secret behind Slkor rapid growth in recent years!
The market extends from the coast to the hinterland and overseas.
Slkor adopts a hierarchical approach in market expansion, starting from the coastal regions, moving inland, and then venturing overseas. With its headquarters located in Shenzhen, a city renowned for its advanced integrated circuit industry, Slkor expands its presence in the surrounding Pearl River Delta through various means such as promotion, customer development, and collaboration with agents. After achieving certain accomplishments in the coastal market, the company further expands into the inland market, ultimately aiming to explore international markets.
We have observed that many semiconductor peers hastily establish offices in Vietnam and India, only to face unfortunate closures shortly thereafter. It is regrettable to witness the wasted efforts and expenses incurred in such ventures！
Slkor second flagship store in Huaqiangbei
Overseas Expansion
Slkor’s overseas expansion primarily focuses on company and brand promotion, as well as product sales. I believe that a strong brand can occupy customers’ minds and serve as a firewall for corporate competition, reflecting the company’s soft power. The brand promotion of “Slkor” mainly relies on soft content, covering various channels and platforms with a large amount of content. It also spreads Slkor’s corporate culture and values. These influential and inspiring contents have a lasting impact and can influence customers’ initial purchase decisions and user stickiness.
Slkor and Kinghelm’s products are sold to customers through platforms such as Alibaba.com, AliExpress, and LCSC Overseas. The company also plans to establish accounts on international electronic component e-commerce platforms such as Digikey and Mouser. Additionally, Slkor aims to develop multiple overseas distribution channels to increase the exposure frequency of the Slkor and improve the sample delivery rate to end customers, ensuring that Slkor’s products serve users worldwide.
Slkor’s vision is to become a leader in the semiconductor industry.
We are in an era of electronic, information, and digitalization, where electronic components are the staple of the electronic information industry, and semiconductors are a symbol of a country’s strength. Military, economic, and political power are built on the foundation of the chip industry. From missiles to televisions, from smartphones to Beidou navigation, everything relies on chips. By maintaining a leading position in chip design and manufacturing, one can gain advantages in technology and the economy. For a long time, Chinese chips have been dependent on Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, with the majority of high-end chips relying on imports. The self-sufficiency rate of domestically produced chips is less than 20%. The road to the rise of Chinese chips is still long and arduous. Song Shiqiang said that Slkor has firmly established itself in this wave of “domestic substitution” and has achieved great success in the internationalization process. It has set a good example for Chinese chips to go global and serve the world. Slkor will surely realize its ambitious vision of “becoming a leader in the semiconductor industry”!
About Song Shiqiang：
Song Shiqiang, a researcher at the Economic Development Center of the State Council, is a member of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology’s electronic information expert database, a research expert in Huaqiangbei Commercial Research, and a columnist and popular science writer. He manages Shenzhen SlkorMicro Semicon Co., Ltd. and Shenzhen Kinghelm Electronics Co., Ltd., and has built the brand “Slkor” and “Kinghelm”. Both of them are national high-tech enterprises. Slkor has mastered the international leading third-generation semiconductor silicon carbide power device technology and has experienced rapid and steady development in recent years, with the vision of “becoming a leader in the semiconductor industry.” Starting with the development of Beidou GPS antennas, Kinghelm has also developed and produced products such as microwave RF connectors and electrical signal connectors, embracing the intelligent era of interconnectedness. Mr. Song Shiqiang has a wide reputation and influence in the semiconductor and Beidou positioning and navigation industries. He has been working in the electronic information industry for many years, striving to create a better business environment in Huaqiangbei and hoping that Huaqiangbei will become a window for reform and opening up and a business card for the economic development of Shenzhen.
